Cruise in France on the canals and rivers of Southern Burgundy aboard the Ultra-Deluxe Hotel-Barge AMARYLLIS
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger Amaryllis is one of the most luxurious barges afloat whose interior displays an uncompromising attention to detail. Each stateroom has been meticulously decorated in a traditional style with a mixture of contemporary and antique Louis XVI and XV furniture, complimented by occasional tables from Li Puma of Florence. The specially designed window casings incorporate huge windows that panoramically frame the passing countryside. The Amaryllis has four large staterooms with ensuite bathrooms, two with bathtub/shower and two with an oversized shower. Three cabins are on the lower deck; the cabin on the main deck is particularly good for those with difficulty with stairs. Also on the main deck is a formal dining room and a comfortable salon opening on to a sun deck where guests can relax on sun loungers or luxuriate in the heated swimming pool. There is a crew of 6 to attend to your every need. Nothing has been spared with respect to passenger comfort and entertainment.
Amaryllis cruises on some of the most picturesque waterways in France, including the Canal de Bourgogne, the River Rhône and the Canal du Centre, through the heart of the Burgundy wine region. Excursions are arranged to visit ancient châteaux and sample many of the famous wines of the region. Beaune, Dijon, St Jean de Losne, and Chalon sur Saone are just some of the towns and villages visited.
Features
- Size of barge: 126.3 ft by 16.6 ft
- Number of Passengers: 8
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
- Crew: 6
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon:Antique Louis XVI and Italian furnishings with separate dining room and picture windows. Guest computer with internet access and BOSE ipod docking station.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with canopy for shade, tables and chairs and 13 x 13 ft swimming pool
- Spa Tub: Swimming pool
- Cabin Features: One upper deck suite 180 sq ft, 3 lower deck suites 227-278 sq ft including marble bathroom 47-58 sq ft with double sinks and shower or bathtub. All suites with twin beds or king bed.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 8 seater mini-bus
- Accessibility: One cabin on upper deck, three on lower deck
- Bicycles: Yes
Amaryllis's Deck Plan
Passenger Comments:
In many years of 'Luxury 5 star travel'. This is the creme de la creme - so my head and my heart say - thank you one and all for the experience of a lifetime!
-- R.M.
Am lost for words - simply 'amazing' - THANK YOU!
-- Joe & Karen C.
We loved every minute. The staff, food and tours were all exceptional!
-- name withheld
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne, Saone River, Canal du Centre:
Dijon to St. Leger
Sunday - Paris to Dijon.
Board the barge at Dijon's Port du Canal for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening, experience your first dinner on board.
Monday - Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Château de Longecourt.
This morning enjoy your first cruise on the canal. Once moored in Longecourt visit the Chateau de Longecourt which has been owned by the same family since 1631. It has been beautifully decorated through the centuries and is rich in history. Some 'graffiti' can be found in the stables, left behind by the American pilots who stayed there during World War II. If the count is in residence, he will give you a personal tour of his property.
Tuesday - Visit Dijon. Cruise to St. Jean de Losne.
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Dijon including a visit to the market, the Grey Poupon mustard shop and the Ducal Palace. There will be some free time for shopping or perhaps, to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply just watch the world pass by. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise to St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. Take some time this evening or early tomorrow to stroll around the port and see the many working and pleasure barges.
Wednesday - Visit Beaune. Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône.
Continue to cruise the peaceful valley of the River Saône downstream to Seurre. Today, lunch is taken at the Loiseau des Vignes in Beaune. In the afternoon, discover Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy. Enjoy a visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune and a wine tasting. Later, your guide takes you on a walking tour of the pedestrian area in Chalon-sur-Saône, the last of the Burgundian style river towns.
Thursday - Cruise to Rully. Visit Château de Germolles.
The barge cruises leaves the River Saône by clearing the lock to enter the Canal du Centre. Back in the canal environment you may disembark the barge at a lock, bicycle alongside or walk and keep up with the pace of the barge. After lunch, visit the Château de Germolles, the only remaining residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. Tonight it is back to a countryside mooring in Rully.
Friday - Visit Couches and the Château Marguerite de Bourgogne. Cruise to St. Léger.
A leisurely cruise to St. Léger, another quaint village along the Canal du Centre which is our final destination. Your guide takes you to the stunning 11th century Château Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches, for a tour of the magnificent buildings, surrounded by their own vines, followed by a wine tasting in their cellar. Meanwhile the chef is busy preparing your Farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - Dijon - Paris.
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Note: The day-to-day itinerary described above is a typical cruise and is subject to change. On any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and the passenger preferences.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne:
Dijon to Escommes
Sunday - Dijon.
A champagne reception welcomes you on board the barge moored at Dijon's Port du Canal for your cruise through Burgundy, and gives you a chance to meet the crew. A delicious dinner is served later that evening.
Monday - Cruise to Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Visit Clos de Vougeot.
Leaving Dijon, the canal follows the river Ouche where small-unspoiled villages and green, forested hills provide exceptional views from the deck. Spend the morning walking, or perhaps cycling along the tow path. This afternoon's excursion is a dégustation in Vougeot and a visit to "Clos de Vougeot", a medieval château and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d'Or vintages. The barge moors for the night in the small village of Fleury-sur-Ouche.
Tuesday - Cruise to Gissey. Visit Dijon.
After a wonderful French style breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon including a visit to the Ducal Palace, the market and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Enjoy some free time for shopping at the many wonderful shops in town, or perhaps just sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply watch the world go by. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon's cruise to the charming village of Gissey. This is a truly stunning part of the canal, sit back and watch the ever changing scenery glide by.
Wednesday - Cruise to La Bussière. Visit Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune
Mid-morning, disembark the boat for a visit to l'Abbaye de la Bussière, which was built in the 12th century under the guidance of the Cistercian monks from Citeaux. Enjoy a tour of the grounds and have lunch in the one Michelin star restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the 15th century Château de Savigny-lès-Baunes set in its own vineyard and housing a huge collection of antique motorbikes, cars and planes.
Thursday - Cruise to Pont d'Ouche. Visit Beaune.
Relax with a morning cruise through the rolling hills of the Ouche Valley to Pont d'Ouche. After lunch visit Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy and the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. There is free time for shopping or strolling through the cobbled streets of this lovely town. Sample some of the local wines before returning to the barge.
Friday - Cruise to Escommes. Visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois.
Our final cruise of the week takes us to the countryside mooring of Escommes, then after lunch visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. This medieval village with its commanding views over the plains is a wonderful place for a visit. Both the village and the château have a long and interesting history. This is followed by a tour of the surrounding countryside. Meanwhile the chef is preparing your farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - Dijon.
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Note: This day-to day-itinerary described is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne, Saone River, Canal du Centre:
Dijon to St. Leger
Grand Crus July 18, 2010
Sunday, 18 July - Dijon
On arrival at Dijon's Port du Canal you are met by your guide and transferred to the Amaryllis for your Grand Cru cruise. A champagne cruise welcomes you on board. Dinner on board hosted by your resident wine expert, accompanied by the first selection of Grand Crus.
Monday, 19 July - Longecourt
The morning is spent taking a Burgundy wine class as you cruise towards Longecourt. After lunch on board, explore Clos du Vougeot, set in the heart of the vines and head quaters of the famous Chevaliers de Tastevin. A tour of this remarkable building is followed by tastings at the Grand Cave. Dinner on board with your afternoon's vineyard host and his selection of Grand Crus. Overnight on board at Longecourt.
Tuesday, 20 July - St. Jean
Take a walking tour past the elegant houses of Dijon and visit the Ducal Palace, shops and the "Maille" mustard shop. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure. After lunch on board, enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise to St Jean de Losne before a visit to Drouhin-Laroze estate in Gevrey Chambertin for a "dégustation" followed by a Burgundian dinner off the barge with the winemaker's choice of Grand Crus.
Wednesday, 21 July - Châlon
Continue to cruise the peaceful valley of the River Saône. Arrive in Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, for a delightful lunch at the Hotel Cep followed by a visit to the famous Hôtel Dieu, Hospices de Beaune. This afternoon explore Domaine Joseph Drouhin's cellar where the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy used to store wines, followed by tastings of the winemaker's choice. Dinner on board with your afternoon's vineyard host and her selection of Grand Crus.
Thursday, 22 July - Rully
Spend the morning cruising before lunch on board. Later visit the third of your Grand Crus vineyards at the Domaine Ponsot for a tasting from the barrels followed by a walk in the vineyard. Dinner onboard with the winemaker and his choice of Grands Crus.
Friday, 23 July - St. Léger
After breakfast, disembark for a visit to the barrel makers at St Aubin. Following a lunch onboard, enjoy a drive to see the vines at Vosne Romanee which produce the most prestigious wines in Burgundy at the Domaine de la Romanée Conti. Dinner on board with your resident wine expert and the last of the 33 Grand Crus.
Saturday, 24 July
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to Le Cruesot train station for your onward travel arrangements.
Note: Itinerary subject to change without notice.
Amaryllis
2010 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 4 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Apr 11 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Apr 18 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Apr 25 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| May 2 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| May 9 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| May 16 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| May 23 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| May 30 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Jun 6 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Jun 13 |
St. Leger-Lyon |
Regular
|
| Jun 20 |
Lyon-Avignon |
Regular
|
| Jun 27 |
Avignon-Lyon |
Regular
|
| Jul 4 |
Lyon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Jul 11 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 18 |
Dijon-St. Leger |
Grand Cru Cruise
|
| Jul 25 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Aug 1 |
Dijon-St. Leger |
Regular
|
| Aug 8 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Aug 15 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Aug 22 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Aug 29 |
Dijon-Lyon |
Regular
|
| Sep 5 |
Lyon-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Sep 12 |
Dijon-St. Leger |
Regular
|
| Sep 19 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Sep 26 |
Dijon-St. Leger |
Regular
|
| Oct 3 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Oct 10 |
Dijon-St. Leger |
Regular
|
| Oct 17 |
St Leger-Lyon |
Regular
|
| Oct 24 |
Lyon-St. Jean |
Regular
|
|
Amaryllis
2011 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 3 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Standard
|
| Apr 10 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Apr 17 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Standard
|
| Apr 24 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Standard
|
| May 1 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Standard
|
| May 8 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Standard
|
| May 15 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Standard
|
| May 22 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Standard
|
| May 29 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| Jun 5 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Jun 12 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| Jun 19 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Jun 26 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| Jul 3 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Jul 10 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Standard
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 17 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Grand Cru Cruise Week Experience
|
| Jul 24 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Grand Cru Cruise Week Experience
|
| Jul 31 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Aug 7 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Standard
|
| Aug 14 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Aug 21 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| Aug 28 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Sep 4 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| Sep 11 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Sep 18 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| Sep 25 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Oct 2 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Standard
|
| Oct 9 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Oct 16 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Standard
|
| Oct 23 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Standard
|
|
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
AMARYLLIS
2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
REGULAR
Apr 4 thru Jul 17
Jul 25 thru Oct 30 |
GRAND CRU CRUISE
Jul 18 thru Jul 24 |
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
NA |
$9,800 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$46,900 |
NA |
|
Charter for 7 |
$52,300 |
NA |
|
Charter for 8 |
$57,700 |
NA |
|
Optional Train Ticket (per person round trip) |
$300 |
$300 |
AMARYLLIS
2011 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
STANDARD
Apr 3 thru Jul 16
Jul 31 thru Oct 29 |
GRAND CRU CRUISE WEEK EXPERIENCE
Jul 17 thru Jul 30 |
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
NA |
$10,000 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$47,800 |
NA |
|
Charter for 7 |
$53,300 |
NA |
|
Charter for 8 |
$58,800 |
NA |
What's Included- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Dijon to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursion
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Train transfers from Paris to Dijon and return (available at extra cost)
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent Euros
 |
Special Places Travel, LLC
"Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
For booking information,
Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com
|
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Last Update: August 6, 2010
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